The roof is designed to protect your home from the elements. However, violent storms can cause significant damage to your roof at the most unexpected of times. You’ll want to learn the proper steps to take whenever such events occur.
Call Your Local Roofing Contractor
Time is always of the essence after storm damage. The first person to call after storm damage is your local roofer to inspect the damage and issue an estimate. Professional roofers have the experience and expertise to inspect roof damage and recommend the right course of action. Depending on the outcome of the inspection and your insurance policy deductible, your roofer will advise if it’s necessary to file a claim or finance the repairs out of pocket.
If the cost of damage is less than your policy deductible, you’ll be better off paying out of pocket. But if the damage is significant enough, your roofer will guide you through the insurance claim process and have your insurer reimburse you the cost of repair or replacement.
During a roof inspection, roofers typically look for damaged areas, such as missing shingles, and estimate the general square footage of the roofing material. They’ll also identify specific details of the damage, such as ruined flashing or underlayment and exposed plywood or tarpaper.
Contact your Insurance Company
If the damage is significant enough, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible and begin the claims process.
Schedule Temporary Fixes to Minimize Water Damage
If storm damage affects areas above your living space, the leaking water can cause significant damage to your interior. Your roofer may need to waterproof severe damage quickly using tarping.
By delaying scheduling roof repair after storm damage, your roof can suffer more damage. For instance, water can leak into the attic area, ruining your home’s underlayment, decking, and other interior components. Over time, you may end up replacing the entire roofing system instead of making simple patching.
Always Hire a Trusted Local Roofer
Always hire a professional certified roofing contractor to handle your roof repair or replacement project. Avoid storm chasers who are in your area because of a natural disaster. Typically, traveling roofers who follow storms may provide substandard workmanship since they have no reputation to uphold in your area. If your region recently experienced a storm and you are concerned about your roof’s condition, contact the experts at Mark Kaufman Roofing in North Port, FL, for a free roof evaluation.
